Washington, July 31: The Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it is investigating allegations that WorldCom Inc. illegally routed telephone calls to skirt expensive fees paid for connecting calls. The probe was revealed after the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday asked the FCC how it would respond to charges leveled by WorldCom's rivals about the fees. The panel also requested documents about any violations of rules uncovered by the agency.
The FCC investigation into the bankrupt No. 2 long-distance telephone carrier is in addition to one by the US attorney in New York, as well as an internal review by WorldCom, which will change its name to MCI after emerging from bankruptcy.

"We, of course, will cooperate fully with the committee, including sharing the results of our own investigation of MCI's activities," said FCC spokesman Richard Diamond.
AT&T Corp., the biggest US long-distance carrier, has accused WorldCom of improperly diverting US calls, including those by government agencies, through Canada to avoid hefty connection fees. It plans to sue WorldCom for damages. Bureau Report